Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Ground beef browning in a skillet
3. Arrange the mini bagel halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Mini bagel halves arranged on a foil-lined baking sheet
4. Spoon a small amount of browned ground beef onto each bagel half, spreading it so each bite gets a good hearty layer.
Bagel halves topped with browned ground beef
5. Top each one with a piece of provolone cheese.
Beef-topped bagel halves covered with provolone slices
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bagel edges are lightly toasted. Serve hot.
Final plated beef bagel bites served hot with simple sides
Variations & Tips
Make them crispier: If you like a little more crunch, bake the plain bagel halves for 3 to 4 minutes before adding the beef and cheese. That little head start keeps them extra toasty under the toppings.
Keep the beef in small crumbles: The finer you crumble the meat in the skillet, the easier these are to eat. Big chunks tend to roll off, while smaller bits stay put and give you a better bite every time.
Try a cheese swap: Mozzarella, white American, or mild cheddar all melt nicely if provolone is not what you have in the icebox. Each one gives the snack its own personality while keeping the recipe nice and simple.
Make-ahead tip: Brown the beef earlier in the day and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When supper time or company time rolls around, all you have to do is assemble and bake.
Feed a crowd: This recipe doubles easily for card night, ball games, or family movie night. Just use two baking sheets so the bites have room to toast instead of steaming together.
